Tehran doctor: Nationwide unrest leaves 217 dead, mostly young protesters

Nationwide protests in Iran have turned deadly, with reports suggesting that hundreds of demonstrators, many of them young, have been killed as security forces respond with live ammunition.

A Tehran doctor, speaking to TIME on condition of anonymity, reported that six hospitals in the capital alone recorded at least 217 deaths, “most by live ammunition.” The doctor added that authorities removed corpses on January 9, with many victims young, including several shot outside a northern Tehran police station when security forces fired machine guns, killing protesters “on the spot.” Activists reported at least 30 people were shot in that incident.

Human rights groups, including the D.C.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, reported lower death tolls since the protests began on December 28. TIME has been unable to independently verify these figures.

The protests, initially sparked by Iran’s collapsing economy, have broadened into calls for the overthrow of the clerical regime. Demonstrators have largely chanted “Freedom” and “Death to the Dictator,” though some government buildings were vandalized.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on January 9 broadcast that “the Islamic Republic will not back down in the face of vandals” seeking to “please” US President Donald Trump. Tehran’s prosecutor also threatened protesters with the death penalty, while an IRGC official cautioned parents: “If… a bullet hits you, don’t complain.”

Observers report confusion within security forces. A Kurdish riot-police officer said, “There is 100% confusion… I don’t know what’s happening. They’re doing things in secret, and we’re afraid of what’s coming.” Yet social media footage and official warnings suggest clear orders for force have been issued.

Analyst Hossein Hafezian described the situation as “an existential threat” to the regime, predicting, “From now on, the casualties will increase rapidly… if Trump attacks a few anti-riot police barracks, it might be a game changer!”

Government advisor Mashallah Shamsolvaezin said the administration is using a “trial and error” approach, including direct payments to citizens, while pursuing indirect nuclear negotiations to relieve pressure.

Meanwhile, calls for a secular democracy grow louder, with many protesters expressing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the Shah, who has urged massive demonstrations and promised a return to lead Iran.

The situation remains fluid, with fears that further violent crackdowns could dramatically increase casualties as the protests continue.

By Vafa Guliyeva